A study from the New York Times has shown that in 2005 51% of women in the United States lived without a spouse, bringing married women into the minority for the first time in the country's history. The study was based on census results.

The NY Times said: "Coupled with the fact that in 2005 married couples became a minority of all American households for the first time, the trend could ultimately shape social and workplace policies..."

The report stated that many factors are involved in the new trend, including women marrying later in life, living longer after their spouses have passed away and staying single after getting divorced.